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Monday, February 29, 2016

There were a many highlights of February, but of course one stood out among the rest: Girls Weekend. Obviously vacations are needed every once in a while, but this one was needed for so many reasons.

First and foremost, I needed a serious recharge. My day job has been exceedingly tough lately. That burnout feeling was starting to creep in, and once he makes his appearance it's hard to come back without a major change and/or reset. The warm California sun, fresh Pacific air, early nights to bed, walking, running and biking was enough to revive my mind and body to that happy place again.

New insight. As a designer, creative, maker, doer, you’re a constant sponge of the world around you. I'm lucky enough to live in an energized art community, but a week in another area – with a BOOMING art scene at every corner creates a whole new inspired agenda.

It was amazing to another chance to visit with my Great Aunt Eileen, who has been an inspiration to me and my sister for so many years. From the time she spent as a Navy Wave (US Naval Woman's Reserve) to overcoming a harsh marriage, moving across country in her Buick Skylark convertible with a friend to becoming a successful artist and teacher, photographing Tyrone Powers and marrying the love of her life at 40 years old, this woman gave new meaning to courageous time and time again. On the cusp of her 96th birthday next month her mind wanders, but her one-liners and charisma still shine through.

As every year passes, life fluctuates in its complexity. A time or specific matter seems so significant one year, but so very trivial the next. Having this time with your loved ones is what it’s all about. Build memories. Treasure your sister’s amazing city navigating and planning skills. Listen to stories. Encourage your Mom to ride a bike (but not in traffic). Act a little weird. Indulge your inner foodie. Do the things that bring you the utmost joy, because 96 will be here before we know it.

Friday, February 26, 2016

New South Home is a one of my favorite jobs. Not only because the end product is always so beautiful, but the women behind the company are a delight to work with and are truly dedicated mothers, friends and hard-working entrepreneurs! If you haven't seen their lovely home goods, be sure to check out the link below.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good deal and a good DIY. A few years back I found this tea cart at an estate sale in Norfolk. I gave it a clean coat of white paint and used it for parties in our backyard and planting and displaying (real) flowers. Last week, I decided it was in need of another makeover for my Pop Up Flower Shop at Kitsch. As luck would have it, I had a can of gold spray paint under the sink (intended for some plastic animals...let's just call that project a #pinterestfail) so the tea cart transformed into the Flower Cart.

The cart (along with a few wooden crates) was the perfect display for Saturday. Simple and cute. It didn't allow for a lot of product, which I'm always guilty of bringing. I was able to incorporate a gold, metal record album holder (holding the brooches) that I had been hoarding in the basement, along with the cutest miniature Ball jars we got as a wedding present (holding the mini flowers on the bottom shelf).

The Pop Up Shop went really well! Lots of people came out and built bouquets, which was very exciting. And I got to meet some Fairview Place Fans, which is always inspiring! Plus, I was able to talk to the shop owner for a while and got several new leads on shops, blogs and podcasts to follow. I've decided to apply for the Crafted Indie Art and Craft Market, which is debuting a new Spring show in April. Wish me luck!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

I ordered lots of new felt last week from a new supplier. Even though most of the colors were the same, I decided to branch off in the world of my succulent colors. Seems pretty fitting for the weather outside.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

I started this year off with an extremely positive attitude and overwhelming ambition for 'betterment.' Maybe it was the extra vacation days, or all the cold medicine. I realized I was not in that search for a deeper meaning of how to be a better me, but doing a few things better to make life simpler. I defined some goals for 2016 that 'bettered' some of my ongoing practices throughout 2015. The list wasn't long, or necessarily interesting or even tough, but looking at it now, it is important to me.

A better commitment to Fairview Place. Growing my felt flower following and spending time on this long lost blog I've regretfully abandoned.

Better communication. Work emails to birthdays, just being responsive and responsible to remember the importance of everyone and their time.

A better brand! Figuring out how Fairview Place fits into my growing freelance business. New logo, website and idea to the approach of a comprehensive design business.

Somehow I've ended up spending the whole month of January coordinating, prioritizing, researching and stalking social media for inspiration for my plan of attack. And what do I have to show for it? Lots of lists (of course). Lots of ideas, plans, fun projects, exciting freelance on the horizon, and rewarding blogs to come . . . including the return of my first Self Portrait of 2016 . . . days late. 'Betterment' first, 'timeliness' second.